A heavy explosion on board USS Lexington CV-2 blows an aircraft over her side 8 May 1942

Photo #: 80-G-11916

Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942

A heavy explosion on board USS Lexington (CV-2) blows an aircraft over her side, 8 May 1942. This is probably the "great explosion" from the detonation of torpedo warheads stowed in the starboard side of the hangar, aft, that took place just after the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Frederick C. Sherman, left Lexington.

At left is the bow of USS Hammann (DD-412), which was backing away with a load of the carrier's survivors on board.
This view appears to be cropped from Photo # 80-G-7413.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives.

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  • Mac on 2011-May-06 15:50:18 Mac said

    My Uncle was on board the USS Lexington during the battle of Coral Sea.....ended up going over the side.

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